In brief
A residential building adjacent to Delhi University collapsed around 13:30 local time on Sunday, trapping an estimated 50 students inside. Rescue workers have already freed six people, but several others remain trapped and critically injured. The structure was 40–50 years old, and construction work in its basement may have weakened the foundations. Delhi authorities continue to search for the building’s owner and investigate the collapse, with calls for accountability from student unions. The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter building safety checks in the capital.
A residential building in the Indian capital Delhi collapsed, leaving dozens of students feared trapped inside.
Eyewitnesses report that up to 50 people were inside the five‑storey hostel located in the Satya Niketan neighbourhood of south‑west Delhi when the structure failed around 13:30 local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday.
Delhi Police confirmed that one person was killed and two others are in critical condition, while six survivors have been rescued so far. Construction work was underway in the basement of the hostel – a building that sits close to Delhi University.
The owner of a nearby shop, who holds a 100‑year lease, said excavation work in the basement was intended to increase revenue. He noted that the upper floors had been reinforced, but the lower pillars were weak, contributing to the collapse and burying construction workers.
The National Students’ Union of India called for a full investigation and accountability for those responsible, emphasizing that negligence toward student and public safety must not be tolerated. Police are actively searching for the building’s owner.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that an adjacent building had been evacuated as a precautionary measure and that every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped. The building was reported to be only 40–50 years old, highlighting potential maintenance and structural issues.
